Chapter
21 Lesson 1: Getting Smart about Pollution

Introduction

Learning about the various kinds of pollution
is the first step in learning how to protect
the environment. On the Web site below
you will read about a kind of pollution called
NPS. NPS stands for Non Point Source pollution
and is a major concern because it damages water
supplies. There are many things that everyone
can do to reduce it. On the Web site below
you will learn what causes NPS and how it can
be controlled.

Click on and the “What is NPS Pollution,” “What
You Can Do to Prevent NPS Pollution,” and “Do’s
and Don’ts Around the Home” links.

Take notes as you read.

When you are done reading, answer the questions
below.

Finally, using the information from the link,
make a NPS Fact Sheet that can be handed out
in class. Be sure to include practical
things that teens can do to reduce NPS pollution.

Questions

What is NPS caused by and what does it do?

What are four examples of pollutants that
are picked up and carried by rainwater and
snowmelt?

What are four areas of concern that you can
address to help prevent NPS?

Why is it important not to pour unused chemicals
down drains?

What are three ways you can get involved
in community work to help reduce NPS?

Answers

NPS is caused by rainfall or snowmelt water
moving over and through the ground. As the
water moves, it picks up and carries away natural
and human-made pollutants, depositing them
into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters,
and even underground sources of drinking water.

Examples of pollutants that are picked up
and carried by rainwater and snowmelt include:

The four areas of concern that can be addressed
if you want to help prevent NPS are:

Urban storm water run-off

Mining

Forestry

Agriculture

Pouring chemicals down the drain may disrupt
your septic system or else contaminate materials
in water treatment plants.

Some ways to get involved in community work
to reduce NPS include:

Participate in clean-up activities in your
neighborhood.

Write or call your elected representatives
to inform them about your concerns and encourage
legislation to protect water resources.

Get involved in local planning and zoning
decisions

Encourage your local officials to develop
erosion and sediment control ordinances.

Promote environmental education. Help educate
people in your community about ways in which
they can help protect water quality.

Additional Resources for
Teachers

Below are some additional resources on water
pollution. Encourage students to brainstorm
other ways to get the word out. You
might also have them call the local office of
the EPA to learn more about how NPS affects the
water supply in their area. Have them report
back with specific suggestions of how to make
a difference.